What is the Origin of Andropause Metabolic Effects?

The term combines "Andropause," referring to the male equivalent of menopause marked by androgen deficiency, and "Metabolic Effects," which denotes the systemic changes in biochemical processes within the body. Its clinical context stems from endocrinology and the study of aging, specifically how sex hormone decline influences whole-body energy regulation. The observed phenotype links directly to the function of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis and its peripheral target tissues.

What is the Mechanism of Andropause Metabolic Effects?

Reduced circulating testosterone diminishes its anabolic and lipolytic actions on muscle and adipose tissue, respectively. This hormonal imbalance shifts the body toward a catabolic state in muscle and an increased rate of fat storage, particularly in the abdominal area. The resulting increase in visceral fat is metabolically active, releasing pro-inflammatory adipokines that impair insulin signaling and perpetuate the cycle of metabolic dysfunction.

Andropause Metabolic Effects ∞ Area

Andropause Metabolic Effects

Meaning

The physiological changes in metabolic function that accompany the age-related decline in androgen levels, primarily testosterone, in men. These effects often manifest as alterations in body composition, including increased visceral adiposity and reduced lean muscle mass. Clinically, this hormonal shift can contribute to insulin resistance and dyslipidemia, fundamentally impacting overall cardiometabolic health.